Self-Concept, Self-Esteem, and Exercise

Information adapted from: Lox, C. L., Martin Ginis, K. A., Petruzzello, S. J. (2006). The psychology of exercise: Integrating theory and practice (2nd ed.). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb-Hathaway.

Fundamentals
Self-concept
The way in which you see or define yourself Consistent with ones identity

Self-esteem
The evaluative or affective consequences of ones self-concept Self-worth Degree to which you feel positive or negative about your self-concept

Fundamentals
Self-concept and self-esteem are distinct from other, related psychological concepts
Perceived competence
More general do I consider myself to be an athletic individual?

Self-confidence
More specific: perceptions of capability in activities in daily living I can effectively complete _____ task

Self-efficacy
Situation-specific form of self-confidence; skills and abilities in specific tasks I believe I can maintain the exercise program for 6 months

Theoretical Foundations
Shavelson, Hubner, and Stanton Model
Self-concept determined by judgments of self-concept in a number of domains General self-concept comprised of two categories:
Academic self-concept
Primary learning domains of English, mathematics, history, and science

Nonacademic self-concept
Social: peers, others Emotional: emotional states Physical : physical ability, physical appearance

All based on evaluations of behavior in specific situations

Theoretical Foundations
Shavelson, Hubner, and Stanton Model
Too simplisticwe do not value all behaviors and interactions the same
Examples:
Person who values lifetime activities but places little value on ability in sports Person who places a high value on the proportion of her body fat

Theoretical Foundations
Sonstroem and Morgan Model
Model of exercise and self-esteem Self-esteem comprised of two dimensions:
Physical competence Physical acceptance Both dimensions influenced by physical selfefficacy

Theoretical Foundations
Sonstroem and Morgan Model
General

Self-Esteem

Self-Esteem Physical Competence

Intervention

Physical Competence

Physical Acceptance

Acceptance

Physical

Physical Self-Efficacy
Specific

Self-Efficacy

Physical

Physical Measures
Test 1

Physical
Measures
Test 2 nth test

Measurement
Self-Concept traditionally treated as a uni-dimensional construct
Potential limitations of that approach

Multi-dimensional scale: Physical Self-Perception Profile

Read contrasting statements, choose which one is more characteristic, and indicate the degree to which this is the case 5 subscales
Sports competence Physical conditioning Body appearance Muscular strength Global physical self-worth

Measurement
Physical Self-Perception Profile: Examples
Sports competence
Some people feel that they are not very good when it comes to playing sports BUT others feel that they are really good at just about every sport

Body attractiveness
Some people are extremely confident about the appearance of their bodies BUT others are a little self-conscious about the appearance of their bodies

Physical strength
Some people feel that they are physically stronger than most people of their sex BUT others feel that they lack physical strength compared to most others of their sex

Research in the Area

78% of all research has found positive effects of exercise participation on self-concept
Collingwood and Willett (1971)
Five obese teenagers in a 3-week physical activity program Improvements in physical aspects and in their attitudes toward self

DiLorenzo et al. (1999)

Examination of the long-term effects of exercise on physical and global self-concept Exercisers had self-concepts immediately following exercise; differences still present one year after completion of the intervention

Research in the Area

General conclusions based on the extant research:
Exercise generally exerts a positive influence on selfconcept and self-esteem across populations The greatest improvements in self-concept and selfesteem are seen from those who have the most to gain The influence of exercise on self-concept and selfesteem might not be as strong as has been historically demonstrated

Mechanisms of Change
How does exercise increase ones selfconcept or self-esteem? Perhaps through increases in
Mastery / self-efficacy Body image and body esteem Self-schemata (identity) Self-determination

Practical Recommendations
Several steps that can be taken to ensure that exercise participation translates into better selfconcept and self-esteem
Identify the reasons for interest in exercise participation
Prescribe exercise program based on their desired outcomes: e.g., get bigger resistance training

Conduct baseline health and fitness assessment

Repeat assessments over time, thereby providing feedback of improvement

Ensure that the exerciser feels a sense of accomplishment and personal control in the exercise routine
Self-determination

Conclusions
Importance of self-concept and selfesteem in everyday life activities Multidimensionality of self-concept Influence of exercise and physical activity on improving beliefs of ones self-concept and self-esteem